Rio Tinto has recommenced its iron ore port operations across most of its Pilbara network after Tropical Cyclone Narelle disrupted shipments in Western Australia, with the miner maintaining its full-year export guidance.
The company confirmed ship loading restarted on 28 March at East Intercourse Island, Parker Point and Cape Lambert B after closures began on 24 March as the cyclone moved through the region. Repairs are continuing at Cape Lambert A, where shipping is expected to recommence within days.
The weather event, combined with the impact of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell in February, is estimated to have reduced Rio Tinto’s iron ore shipments by approximately 8 million tonnes.
Reuters reported that operations had resumed at three of Rio Tinto’s four Pilbara port terminals, with the company moving quickly to restore capacity across one of Australia’s most critical export corridors.
Cyclone Narelle also caused broader disruption across northern Australian mining operations, with heavy rain and power outages affecting other commodity producers in recent weeks.